The World Gamebroke the news that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Pro League club was looking to offload Neill during the January transfer window, with Al Wasl’s French coach, Guy Lacombe, believed to be keen on freeing up an Asian spot on his roster.

Iraq media is reporting that 20-year-old Ibrahim, who excelled for his country in its impressive Gulf Cup run, is the man Lancombe has brought in to replace Neill.

Neill joined Al Wasl on a one-year deal in August, having spent the previous season at fellow UAE club Al Jazira. One-year Stints in Turkey with Galatasaray and England at Everton preceded his move to the Middle East.

Of far more pressing concern now may be the search for a new club, although Neill’s management told TWG there is plenty of interest from clubs in Asia and Europe in the 34-year-old central defender.

'Yes, there has been interest from other clubs, but for the time being Lucas very much remains an Al Wasl player and is committed to the club," Neill’s UK-based agent Darren Jackson said in mid-January.

Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda was among the suitors willing to invest in Neill and is reported to have offered him a $1 million deal for the 2013 season.

Neill, who turns 35 in March – the month which marks the beginning of the CSL season – is understood to beearning around $800,000 in the Gulf.